The future of Web3 is being shaped by those who unite technology and sustainability. As blockchain matures, real-world utility has become the currency of trust for individuals and institutions. At this crucial moment, Sunny Lu, CEO of VeChain, offers a unique perspective on his company's mission and the larger transformation occurring in crypto.
Sunny Lu is the CEO of VeChain, a pioneering enterprise blockchain platform recognized for its commitment to sustainability and mass adoption. BeInCrypto interviewed Lu in June 2025 to discuss the launch of StarGate, VeChain's new decentralization engine, and how the project's evolving strategies aim to go beyond speculative hype for measurable impact.
The conversation, held at the launch of VeChain's most significant update to date, shed light on ambitions for a truly democratized and utility-driven future, addressing protocol updates, compliance, opportunities for developers, and VeChain's global reach.
The following interview reveals VeChain's multifaceted approach, from grassroots ESG incentives to staking innovations that open decentralization for all. Lu makes it clear: this is the VeChain renaissance and its boldest step forward.
The evolution of VeChain: infrastructure, adoption, and sustainability
VeChain has gone through three major phases, each shaped by a white paper. The first, in 2017, focused on building the core infrastructure. In 2019, we moved towards enterprise adoption, working with companies like Walmart, BYD, and others in food safety and sustainability.
In 2023, we launched our third white paper, “Web3 for Better,” which marks our current focus: building sustainability-driven applications. We launched the VeBetterDAO to encourage people to take better daily actions—so far, we have reached 2.7 million users and more than 40 applications.
Now, we are entering what we call the VeChain Renaissance, the most significant upgrade in our history. Its first milestone is the StarGate platform, launching on July 1, designed to enable decentralization at scale.
Stargate and the path to true decentralization
StarGate is the first step of the VeChain Renaissance. It includes significant protocol and tokenomics updates aimed at true decentralization. Most users cannot operate validators as it requires technical skills. StarGate introduces a staking system using NFTs to simplify participation.
Users can stake VET in smart contracts, mint NFTs of different levels based on their stake, and delegate these NFTs to validators without giving up control of their funds. This approach removes technical barriers and brings real rewards.
Validators can earn up to 15% APY, and delegators up to 12%.
Importantly, VET and VTHO have been deemed MiCA compliant by the Central Bank of Ireland since March 2025, and we also ensured that our model aligns with SEC guidelines.
Weighted Proof of Stake and Flexible Staking
We will support 101 validators, as we do now with our Proof of Authority model, but we are evolving to include up to 500,000 delegators through a weighted Delegated Proof of Stake system.
Legacy XNode and Econode holders can exchange for new NFTs, while new users can mint from seven levels of NFTs based on staking values. The system is flexible and deflationary—users can unstake and burn their NFTs at any time.
Sustainability as a pillar of VeChain: applications and impact
It is still a pillar. Our VeBetterDAO fosters both startups and large corporations to build decentralized applications that incentivize sustainable behaviors. For example:
Markshaw and GreenCard reward people for using recycled mugs or buying organic products.
EVN, using Tesla APIs, rewards Tesla drivers for eco-friendly charging behaviors.
BYB (Build Your Body), co-developed with the UFC, rewards users for physical exercises using motion detection.
These applications are highly engaging—some have over a million users with significant retention.
ESG, greenwashing, and the bottom-up alternative
We recognize that ESG can be politicized or used as greenwashing. Traditional ESG is top-down, driven by large corporations or financial institutions. We do the opposite.
Our approach is bottom-up, empowering individuals to make daily sustainable choices. These actions accumulate to a real impact. Our vision complements traditional ESG with grassroots action and technology.
Opportunities for developers
We offer various entry points:
DevRel Support – Our developer relations team is ready to help.
Grant Programs – We encourage developers to build applications aligned with our vision.
BCG Consulting Program – In partnership with BCG, we assist leading developers with market entry strategies and partnerships.
Ultimately, VeBetterDAO acts as an incubator, providing developers with everything they need to launch and scale.
Global user base and institutional vision
We have mapped our users around the world: USA, Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa—you name it. We are present almost everywhere, except in some sensitive regions.
We started in 2024. Johnny Garcia, formerly of Vanguard and Bitwise, joined us to lead our institutional strategy. We are integrating institutions not just as investors but as validators.
These are long-term supporters, not speculators. They are contributing to the network's security and aligned with our sustainability vision.
Anything is possible. We are keeping our options open.
A turning point: real-world utility in 2025 and beyond
2025 is a turning point. Regulations are becoming clearer—MiCA in Europe and greater clarity from the SEC in the USA.
Institutions are seeking real-world utility, not just narratives. That’s what we offer—real applications, real users, and real value.
We are transitioning from a narrative-driven market to a fundamentals-driven market. It’s like the evolution of the internet. I am confident and optimistic about the direction of VeChain.
Conclusion
Sunny Lu's vision for VeChain is centered on accessibility, transparency, and measurable utility. The NFT-based staking of StarGate and global compliance positions VeChain at the forefront of decentralization.
Through sustainability initiatives and bold partnerships, VeChain continues to empower both individuals and institutions to generate tangible impact, step by step. As regulations clarify and technology matures, Lu's confidence signals a new chapter where fundamentals and real-world value define the next wave of blockchain.
The article VeChain in 2025: real utility, sustainability, and Sunny Lu's vision first appeared on BeInCrypto Brazil.
